As expected, this time of the year, caseload at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab (IDL) has been declining over the month of September.  A summary of recent fruit crop insects submitted to the IDL can be found below:

Scavengers & “Secondary” Pests: A wide range of insects will feed on overripe, diseased, or damaged fruits and this is the main category of insects recently reported to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab.  Examples from this group include social wasps, picnic beetles, multicolored Asian lady beetles, bumble flower beetles, fruit flies, and others. 

Stink bugs: Overall, I have not had as many samples of brown marmorated stink bugs at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab as other recent years, but reports continue to trickle in.  BMSB can still cause late-season damage to fruits and can pose concerns for crops such as apples that are put into long-term storage.  All recent BMSB reports at IDL have been from south-central and southeastern Wisconsin.

Pandora sphinx moth: These impressive caterpillars can reach lengths of 3 ½ inches and have a series of distinctive “eye spots” along the sides of their bodies.  This species is known to feed on grapes, but typically poses little threat to yields.  I have recently received several reports from central and east-central Wisconsin.

Social wasps: Reports of social wasps have dipped a bit recently, likely due to cooler temperatures.  Nonetheless, yellowjackets, paper wasps, and bald-faced hornets to remain active in many parts of the state.  Activity should be dropping off significantly in the coming weeks as parts of the state begin getting frosts at night.

Reminder about diagnostic support from the IDL: Growers and consultants in need of insect diagnostic services are always welcome to submit a sample to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab.  Lab services are provided free of charge.  You can find additional information about the IDL here: insectlab.russell.wisc.edu

This article was posted in Insects and tagged insects, pandora sphinx moth, PJ Liesch, scavengers, secondary pests, social wasps.